Türkiye has reached another important milestone in the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Project, which aims to strengthen maritime safety and traffic monitoring in the region. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the construction of three ship traffic surveillance stations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been successfully completed. The system is planned to become fully operational in the second half of 2026.

According to Minister Uraloğlu, the project will significantly increase Türkiye’s maritime monitoring capability and strategic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Developed within the framework of the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, the system will allow authorities to monitor maritime traffic between Türkiye and the surrounding waters of the TRNC more effectively. Another notable aspect of the project is that the entire software infrastructure has been developed using national resources, contributing to technological independence in maritime surveillance systems.

The project is being carried out by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, while the defense and software company HAVELSAN serves as the main contractor. As part of the initiative, installation work continues for the Vessel Traffic Services Center in Famagusta. Meanwhile, the construction of Traffic Surveillance Stations located in Karpaz, Sadrazamköy, and Çayırova has already been completed. These stations are equipped with advanced radar systems, high-resolution cameras, communication equipment, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) technologies.

The system will also integrate data from the Automatic Identification System located at Selvitepe and the radar and AIS infrastructure in Kantara. In addition, a remote backup and console system will be established at the Mersin Vessel Traffic Services Center in Türkiye. This dual-center structure will enhance operational reliability and ensure uninterrupted maritime monitoring even in the event of technical disruptions.

Once operational, the system will enable real-time vessel identification, continuous monitoring and regulation of maritime traffic, and improved control of sensitive maritime zones. It will also help prevent smuggling activities, issue navigation warnings, share meteorological information with ships, and provide rapid alerts in emergency situations such as accidents or fires. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly enhance maritime security, situational awareness, and traffic management capabilities for both Türkiye and the TRNC in the Eastern Mediterranean.